2012 Nissan Leaf

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2012 nissan leaf Reviews and News

2012 Nissan Leaf

By
Automobile Magazine
- 12/07/2011

The Nissan Leaf looks and drives pretty much like any other small hatchback, but it has a secret--it is an electric car. The electric drivetrain doesn't prevent the Leaf from performing like a normal car. Acceleration feels brisk thanks to the electric motor's instantly available 207 lb-ft of torque. The EPA rates the Leaf's driving range at 73 miles per charge, which proved accurate in a two-month test we conducted. However, high-speed highway runs or excessive use of the climate control system can sap the battery's charge rapidly. Fully charging the battery takes twenty-one hours on a household 120-volt outlet or seven hours with a dedicated 240-volt charger. The short driving range and long charge times can give drivers what is known as "range anxiety"--the fear of being stranded with a dead battery--but for many people, the Leaf is suited to use as a daily commuter. The lack of engine noise makes the Leaf extremely quiet--so much so that there's a special sound generator to alert pedestrians to the car's presence at low speeds. With seating for five and generous headroom, the Leaf is fairly roomy inside. Its hatchback design provides a decent amount of cargo space, and the rear seats fold to accommodate larger loads. As befits the world's first mass-market all-electric car, the Leaf abounds with technology: LED headlights, push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity, and touch-screen navigation are all standard. If you drive short distances and can get over the fear of running out of juice, the Leaf is an outstanding car for urban commuting.

On the two-year anniversary of selling the Leaf electric car here, Nissan today launched production of lithium-ion battery packs at its factory in Smyrna, Tennessee. The batteries will be used for the 2013 Nissan Leaf and should help the automaker cut its manufacturing costs on the electric car.

During the month of October, electric carmaker Coda is offering a $552 rebate to California customers to cover the cost of electricity to travel up to 10,000 miles based on current energy rates and the EV’s range per kWh.

Nissan may soon add a low-cost trim level to the Leaf EV lineup, but those aren’t the only plans the automaker has for its all-electric hatchback. At this year’s CEATEC Japan technology conference, Nissan is demonstrating an automated version of the Leaf dubbed NSC-2015, which is capable of parking itself and picking you up at the push of a button.

To help combat low sales, Nissan may launch a cheaper version of its Leaf electric car. Automotive News reports that the 2013 Leaf will have a low-content entry trim level in addition to the existing SV and SL versions.

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